If you are planning to buy a used vehicle, then it is must to know about few terms that are related to the used car purchase. One among them is the write-off category of the vehicle. Once the vehicle is into any major or minor accidents (road, fire, flood) it is given the write-off post whatsoever the damage may be. As a used car buyer, you cannot assure that the vehicle is free from all issues without a car history check. Let us get in detail to know the categories the written-off and the consequences of buying them.
What are the insurance write-off categories?
Once the vehicle is declared written-off it is soon given the category of write-off that helps to know the amount of damage the vehicle has tolerated. Basically it is classified under four major categories A, B, S and N (S and N categories are previously known as cat C and D respectively)
- Category A vehicles: These vehicles are otherwise known as scrap. Yes the amount of damage the vehicle undergone is extremely high and it cannot repair and taken to the roads of the UK. Also you cannot get road tax, insurance for the car etc. In total it is completely unworthy for the road. The only thing you can do from the category A vehicles are you can sell them to a good scrap yard and scrap the vehicle completely and get money (It depends on the scrap value of the vehicle)/ You will be penalized by the DVLA if you take the car outside apart from the scrap yard.
- Category B vehicles: These category vehicles are also similar to the cat A vehicles. The advantage you have in this category is you can get some of the salvageable parts from the vehicle and reuse later. Other than that it is also a scrap vehicle and you cannot repair them and take it to the roads.
- Category S vehicles: Category S write-off vehicle are damaged structurally and can be repaired and driven on the roads of the UK. However in most of the cases the cost of repair of the vehicle will exceed the value of the used vehicle. However if you repair spending that big money on the vehicle, it is unworthy. Also you need only professionals to work on them since the damages or structural. Once the vehicle is repaired it has to be re-registered with the DVLA and can be taken to the roads. It is mandatory to inform the DVLA, only then the written-off vehicle register status on the used vehicle will b takeoff else it is also an offensive activity.
- Category N vehicles: Here comes the least damaged category of all the four explained. These are written-off vehicles that suffer only non-structural damages such as damage in the breaking system, tryres etc and that can be easily repaired and taken to the roads. It should also be re-registered with the DVLA and driven legally.
Can I get a car write-off check free?
It is impossible to get a write-off check for free from any of the vehicle checking service around the UK. However if you found something as free, then it might be a scam. A full car check form car analytics will help you with the complete history of the vehicle along with the write-off details for less than ten pounds (£ 8.95).
Is it worth getting a written-off vehicle?
Nobody shows interest towards a car with accident history. However some people buy written-off vehicle to get them in discounts. If you take a proper DVLA vehicle check, then you can easily spot the category of write-off and get the worthy written-off vehicle.
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